Is Neven Subotic Barca bound?

Both Manchester City and FC Barcelona have been keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund’s Serbian international Neven Subotic but it seems the Catalans are eager to sign the impressive defender.

• By Jason Pettigrove    Follow @jasonpettigrove

The central defender has formed a sensational partnership in the center of Dortmund’s back four with German Mats Hummels, and the high level of performances have not gone unnoticed by Europe’s top clubs.

Should either Barca or City wish to bid for the players services, there will be considerable negotiations involved. Dortmund will be loath to lose a player they signed from FSV Mainz 05 back in 2008, and the player himself might take some convincing.

When asked about the rumours recently, the 23-year-old didn’t hesitate to snap back at reporters “Everyone knows I’m happy here. It is important for me to play and that’s happening”.

However Barcelona, with their rich history and current crop of players, may well present an attractive option to the player should negotiations come to fruition.

After a disappointing Champions League campaign, Manchester City have decided to intensify contacts with the player, who they believe would improve the defensive capabilities of their back line. With money no object to a deal with the English Champions, they will consider themselves in pole position to sign the player if and when he becomes available.